Early Road Rally Odds

The Island Pond Road Rally Planning Committee just got off a four hour marathon conference call with legendary bookmaker Robert "Bobby" Walker. Mr Walker, who retired last month after 20 years as a bookmaker in Las Vegas, has joined the IPRRPC full time, operating from his home office in Pasco, WA. During the session Bobby carefully poured over the facts and grilled the Planning Committee for details from the last five IPRR's. This exhaustive process led him to the following conclusions:

Favorite
Akina Speed Stars (5-2)

"This team has the pedigree and experience to reclaim the title after being narrowly edged out in 2007. David leads this team with an iron fist, but has the managerial finesse to keep everyone singing from the same sheet. They're a finely honed machine and are hell bent on getting back to the winner's circle. I don't see any reason to predict they won't be able to do it."

Contenders
9021Speed0 (5-1)
"Last year this team showed spunk. They were rookies, but came in early and nudged several veteran teams down in the count, claiming a very respectable fourth place. Tim and Jackie are coming off a four month training program high in the Peruvian mountains and Amos has added several feet to his already impressive vertical leap by wearing strength shoes religiously for the last eight months. Look for them to jump up in the standings."

Hyperbolic (5-1)
"Andy's a two-time champ with the focus and determination to contend, but his former team is in shambles, with Erin and Jeremy on "holiday" in New Zealand. However, he's added an experience driver (and former IPRR champion) in Jen and a great runner in IPRR veteran Meg. I'm concerned the team hasn't had the proper time to gel and it sounds like Meg isn't flying into town until Thursday night, which will put a cramp on Andy's legendary preparation routine."

Big Red (7-1)
"We never really know what Chris is up to, but when he's in it, he's in it to win it. The last we heard he's still trying to piece together his "formula" for the perfect team, but time's running short. This could change quickly once we see the pieces fall into place, but they could just as soon fall apart, so hold onto your money for the time being."

Walker's Walkabouts (8-1)
"You might be wondering, 'How can last years champs fall this far, this fast?' Well, last year's champs are no more and Kevin is scrambling to fill the void. Visa problems got in the way of a repeat performance and he's hard at work trying to scrap together a contender. Does lightning strike twice? I don't think so. They'll be on the road for 14 hours, but in the end it'll be too long, too late.

Dark Horses
Popped Biscuits (10-1)
Mojo Drivin' (10-1)
"Last year's Popped Biscuits has calved into two very intriguing teams. Greg, Joe and Jake retained naming rights and added Marc and a mystery member to complete the PB team. The one thing I'm certain of is that this is going to be one smelly rally car (van). But it sounds like the Planning Committee may be tailoring the 2008 IPRR to the strengths of PB, and that could mean money in your pocket. I'm putting a double-sawbuck down on PB to show with the expectation that might just turn into gold."

"Katie joins Petra to form a strong antidote to what is Popped Biscuits with Mojo Drivin'. They're counting on their charm and guile to capture the hearts and minds of strangers on the route. They've also hinted they might be adding IPRR veteran Bizzy to their team, which could be the magic formula to push them over the top. I'm keeping a close eye on this entrant and expect them to move up in the odds as we near the start of the IPRR."

Back of the Pack
Team Shuckri (15-1)
Vegas Lightning (15-1)
"The bottom line is pure rookie teams have a hard time contending for the IPRR title. The enormity of the challenge saps their strength and they often break down when they hit the fabled "wall" approximately 8-10 hours into the rally. Of course it's possible, anything is, but I just don't see it with this much strength in the field."

"Team Shuckri has all the components to pull together and put on a run for the title. A crazy driver, creativity, good looks (both x and y chromosomes), a strong spiritual leader and charm pay dividends on the course. However, early reports from this camp is that they're not in training yet and that seems a bit odd. Let's hope it's all a smokescreen or they could be reduced to powder somewhere in upstate NY."

"Vegas Lightning just now sent in more information about their team. I've done a quick analysis and don't like what I see. Their collective IQ is off the charts, but I like teams with one leader and a bunch of followers... this team is full of leaders. Check your ego at the door and appoint a captain and you might have a shot."

What? Really??!!?
Ontario Thunder (50-1)
"When the IPRRPC fielded a request from a team that planned to drive directly from Listowel, ON to the Farm, we thought it was one of the confirmed teams playing a practical joke on us. Then we received a friend request from Facebook and we knew it was for real. It's not even clear how this can happen, but the Official IP Road Rally Rules don't address it, so we're taking it in stride. We're building a packet to entertain them on their 9.5 hour trip across and will consider their accomplishment upon arrival in IP. We just hope they make it."

What do you think? Did we get it right? Yes? No? Let us know your thoughts with a comment.